Why Doing Everything Required of You Won’t Get You A Job

The question in this headline calls to attention everything that is wrong with the mentality of many job seekers and arguably, many career coaches. The only thing “required” for one to obtain a job is that an employer makes an offer which one accepts. How does one find themselves in the position in which an employer makes an offer? The simple fact of the matter is that in order to have an opportunity to convince an employer to hire an individual, that individual must capture the attention of the employer. So, what captures attention?

There are many ways to capture attention and they are all marketing tactics. Resumes, cover letters, letters of recommendation, and portfolios are what many think of when they imagine what is “necessary” for a job search. In discussions with clients and other career professionals, what surprises me is how often I hear of people not taking additional steps in their personal marketing campaign claiming certain things aren’t “required.” For instance, it may not be common practice to have a video resume if you’re seeking a truck driver job. Additionally, you may not “need” to blog about cooking or have an infographic resume if you plan on entering the culinary art field. What I don’t understand is why so many people have the mindset that they will do the bare minimum in terms of their own marketing campaign because certain things are not “required.”

Rock your Brand!

Doing the basics such as having a resume or cover letter is expected so how does that make you stand out? How do you demonstrate true passion for your field, your craft, your industry? How do you demonstrate your personal brand in a way that shows employers you are unique? It’s by doing the “extra” that you stand out. Stop doing what is “required” of you and start doing what you have the potential to do. This goes beyond your self marketing campaign – it has to do with who you are 24/7. Are you someone who just skates by or are you exceptional in the results you produce, in the attitude you have while carrying out your work, in the enthusiasm you inject into your colleagues, and in your relentless pursuit to go above and beyond? Stop having the, “I do what is required of me” attitude and start challenging yourself to push your potential. Employers want to hire, retain, and promote rock stars – not those who just do the bare minimum. Go all out and rock your own personal brand and stop sticking to the “basics.”

If you’re a job seeker, don’t think of non-traditional marketing collateral such as video resumes, infographic resumes, online profiles, a blog, etc. as something you shouldn’t do because it isn’t “required.” If you’re a career coach, don’t dissuade your constituents because such collateral are not “required.” These new forms of collateral are representative of something greater than a means to obtain the attention of an employer audience – they represent new skill sets. Specifically, they represent a change in how we market ourselves, how we communicate our value, how we are found by employers/recruiters, and how employers consume the information we provide. Start exercising these new skills so you can remain relevant now and in the future.